52. Real Stories - Tessie & Dylan (Part 1)
Parenting is rarely simple - and when you're navigating a blended family, different parenting styles, and growing kids, it can feel even more overwhelming.
In Episode 52 of The Parenting Lab, I sit down with Tessie - my very first coaching client - to talk about her family's transformation. Tessie shares honestly about where her family started, the challenges she faced during coaching, and the meaningful shifts that changed her relationships with her husband and children.
Her story is powerful because it's real. It’s not about becoming a perfect parent - it’s about becoming a more aware, intentional, and connected one. 💛
If you’ve ever wondered whether parenting coaching actually works… Tessie’s story offers a beautiful glimpse into what’s possible.
Meet Tessie and Her Family
Tessie and her husband Dylan are raising two children. Like many families, they entered parenting with love, good intentions, and a desire to do their best.
But as their family evolved - particularly as Tessie's daughter entered the pre-teen years - new challenges began to surface.
Blended families bring unique dynamics:
- Different parenting histories
- Different expectations
- Different communication styles
Over time, these differences created tension in the home, and Tessie began to feel stuck in the middle.
She knew something needed to change - but she wasn't sure where to start.
The Parenting Challenges Tessie Faced
Before coaching, Tessie described feeling like she was constantly switching roles and trying to keep everyone happy. This left her feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure of how to move forward.
Some of the biggest challenges included:
Different Parenting Styles
Tessie naturally leaned toward a more permissive approach. She wanted to maintain peace and connection, often avoiding conflict when possible.
Dylan, on the other hand, leaned toward a more structured and authoritarian style.
Neither approach was “wrong,” but the inconsistency created confusion for the kids and tension between the adults.
This is incredibly common in families - especially blended families - and it often leads to:
- Power struggles
- Miscommunication
- Feeling divided instead of united
Feeling Caught in the Middle
Tessie often felt like she was on separate teams with each family member - trying to support her daughter while also supporting her husband.
Over time, this created emotional strain and left Tessie feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to lead her family forward.
That's when she decided to try parenting coaching.
The Turning Point: Starting Parenting Coaching
Tessie and her husband committed to a condensed 12-week coaching experience - and that’s when things began to shift.
One of the first breakthroughs Tessie experienced was realizing her own role in the family dynamic.
Instead of feeling stuck, she began to feel empowered.
She started to understand:
- How her responses impacted family dynamics
- How boundaries create safety (not distance)
- How self-awareness changes everything
This shift alone began to transform how she showed up as a parent and partner.
Learning to Set Boundaries With Love
One of the biggest mindset shifts for Tessie was understanding that boundaries are not harsh - they are supportive.
Before coaching, boundaries felt uncomfortable. Tessie worried they might damage her relationship with her children or create more conflict.
Through coaching, she discovered that:
- Children thrive with structure
- Boundaries create predictability and safety
- Clear expectations reduce power struggles
Instead of setting limits from frustration or fear, Tessie began setting boundaries from a place of calm leadership and love.
This created:
✨ More cooperation
✨ Less conflict
✨ Stronger relationships
The Changes Tessie Saw in Her Family
As Tessie implemented what she learned, she began to see meaningful changes in her family:
Stronger Partnership With Her Husband
Instead of feeling divided, Tessie and Dylan began working as a team. They developed more alignment and clearer communication around parenting decisions.
More Connected Relationships With Her Kids
Tessie began focusing on intentional connection instead of reacting to behavior. This strengthened trust and improved communication.
Greater Confidence as a Parent
Instead of second-guessing herself, Tessie began parenting with clarity and confidence.
She wasn't parenting perfectly - but she was parenting intentionally.
And that made all the difference.
Tessie's Biggest Lessons for Parents
During the interview, Tessie shared several powerful takeaways for parents considering coaching:
1. Awareness Changes Everything
Recognizing your role in family dynamics gives you the power to create change.
2. Boundaries Help Kids Thrive
Clear expectations create safety and reduce conflict.
3. Self-Care Makes You a Better Parent
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish - it supports your entire family.
4. Connection Matters More Than Perfection
Intentional time and emotional presence strengthen relationships in lasting ways.
What Tessie Wants Parents to Know
One of the most meaningful parts of the conversation was Tessie sharing her advice for other parents.
She emphasized that doing this work isn't always easy - but it's worth it.
Change takes:
- Self-awareness
- Practice
- Patience
- Support
But the outcome is powerful: a calmer home, stronger relationships, and more confident parenting.
You’re Not Alone in This
Tessie's story is a reminder that many families struggle - and that growth is always possible.
Parenting isn't about getting everything right.
It's about learning, adjusting, and showing up differently over time.
And sometimes, having support makes all the difference.
If you’re navigating parenting challenges, blended family dynamics, or simply want stronger relationships with your kids, this episode is for you.
And if you're ready to begin your own parenting journey, coaching may be the next step toward the calm, connected family life you're hoping for.
♥ Your Parent Coach, Brittney